Stewart Downing Reflects on Liverpool Exit After Managerial Decision
Former Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has openly discussed the pivotal moment he realised his time at Anfield was concluding, citing a surprising positional change under then-manager Brendan Rodgers as the catalyst. Downing, who joined Liverpool from Aston Villa in July 2011 for approximately £20 million, experienced fluctuating fortunes during his tenure before departing in 2013 for West Ham United.
The Left-Back Conversion That Sparked Departure
Downing revealed that Rodgers' decision to deploy him as a left-back represented a significant low point in his career. He expressed feeling hurt by this tactical shift, which occurred after Rodgers succeeded Sir Kenny Dalglish in 2012. When questioned in 2014 about whether this role change was a nadir, Downing confirmed, I think so, yes. I was out of the team so for me just to play and get back in the team was a big thing.
He elaborated, At left-back it was obviously difficult, but it was a chance to get back into the team for me, so I had to go along with it. I wasn't happy playing left-back. It is not my natural position. But I knew from then it was the time for me to move. Downing, who scored seven goals in 91 appearances for Liverpool, interpreted this move as a clear signal that his future lay elsewhere, especially with new players arriving in his preferred winger position.
Contrasting Experiences Under Dalglish and Rodgers
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Downing contrasted his positive experiences under Dalglish with the challenges faced under Rodgers. He praised Dalglish, stating, He was unbelievable to play for, Kenny, and I was sad that he left after only one year because I think he should have been given at least another season. Downing lamented that despite winning the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final in 2012, the team's Premier League performance fell short, contributing to Dalglish's dismissal.
Under Rodgers, however, Downing felt sidelined, noting, I played the first game of the season and a couple of the Europa League games, but he just pushed me aside and brought Fabio Borini and people like that. He admitted frustration with the situation, saying, I got a bit p****d off with it. I was sick with all the messing around and I decided to leave, but looking back I should have given it another year.
Post-Liverpool Career and Reflections
Following his exit from Liverpool, Downing's move to West Ham United provided a fresh start, allowing him regular playing time under a manager who valued his contributions. He spent two seasons with West Ham before returning to Middlesbrough, his boyhood club, and later joining Blackburn Rovers in 2019. Downing retired from professional football in August 2021, concluding a career that spanned over two decades.
In retrospect, Downing's tenure at Liverpool serves as a reminder of the impact managerial decisions can have on player morale and career trajectories. His candid revelations highlight the personal struggles behind the scenes at top football clubs, offering insight into the complexities of professional sports.
